Envisioning the Cross

Today, we’re going to again use poetry to engage our imagination. The author of this piece found great healing as she imagined the cross in a way that was very personal to her. Are there ways you relate to her? Are there ways God might want to heal and fuel forgiveness through how you imagine the cross today?

O God,through the image of a womancrucified on a crossI understand at last.

For over half my lifeI have been ashamedof the scars I bear.These scars tell an ugly story,a common story,about a girl who is the victimwhen a man acts out his fantasies.

In the warmth, peace and sunlight of your presenceI was able to uncurl the tightly clenched fists.For the first timeI felt your suffering presence with me in that event.I have known you as a vulnerable baby,as a brother, and as a father.Now I know you as a woman.You were there with meas the violated girlcaught in helpless suffering.

The chains of shame and fearno longer bind my heart and body.A slow fire of compassion and forgiveness is kindled.My tears fall nowfor man as well as for woman.

You were not ashamed of your wounds.You showed them to Thomasas marks of your ordeal and death.I will no longer hide these wounds of mine.I will bear them gracefully.They tell a resurrection story.